Newport Aquarium
One Aquarium Way
Newport, Kentucky 41071
Phone: (859) 491.FINS
At the Newport Aquarium, we'll take you to the oceans' depths, the rivers’ edge and the fringe of the Antarctic Frontier. Sixty state-of-the-art exhibits will immerse you in wonder. Glass floors will let you walk on water. Five specially designed underwater tunnels will have you diving with the sharks and through a colorful coral reef. A talking pirate will put you on the edge of your seat. And winding walkways punctuated by special musical scores and larger - than - life murals will take you on an up-close encounter with 11,000 of the world's most beautiful, bizarre and dangerous creatures.

National Parks

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site
Hodgenville, Kentucky
Phone: (270) 358-3137
An early 19th century Kentucky cabin, symbolic of the one in which Lincoln was born, is preserved in a memorial building at the site of his birth.

Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Phone: (270) 758-2251
This is the longest recorded cave system in the world with more than 336 miles explored and mapped. Cave tours, hiking, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, picnicking.

Cumberland Gap National Historic Park
Middlesboro, Kentucky
People visiting Cumberland Gap not only have the opportunity to journey back into history, tracing the footsteps of notables such as Daniel Boone, but can also participate in a wonderful medley of ranger-guided activities. Toe-tapping mountain music, tours to the restored Hensley Settlement, walks along the Wilderness Road, longhunter and pioneer encampments, and campfire programs are but a sampling of the programs offered. Each program offered by park rangers introduces visitors to the magic which makes national parks so special. Sightseeing at the historical sites; observing plants and wildlife on the trails; hiking; and picnicking at designated areas.

Museums

Kentucky Highlands Museum Society Inc.
1620 Winchester Avenue.
P.O. Box 1494
Ashland, Kentucky 41105
Phone: (606) 329-8888
A NEW Children's Discovery Center, the Jean Thomas Collection - items of the Appalachian culture, industrial exhibits, vintage fire truck & car, the Antique Clothing Collection items dating from the ' mid 1800's, Native American Exhibit, World War II Exhibit - featuring Hitler's bedside telephone and the Boyd County Honor Roll, Judd's Concert Costumes, Early Communications Exhibit, Lionel Train Exhibit and Country Music Heritage Exhibit.

Hardin Planetarium
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Western Kentucky University
1 Big Red Way
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42102
Phone: (270) 745-4044
The planetarium has a 40-foot dome housing a Spitz A3P star projector, various special-effect projectors, and a seating capacity of approximately 150.

National Corvette Museum
350 Corvette Drive
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101
Phone: (800) 53VETTE
Together with thousands of Corvette-related exhibits, the 68,000 sq. ft. NCM features more than 50 Corvette models of every vintage -- about half production and half concept cars. Immerse yourself in thousands of items of Corvette memorabilia woven throughout the exhibit areas, from advertisements and television commercials throughout the history of Corvette to special tributes to Zora Arkus-Duntov, Bill Mitchell, Ed Cole, Harley Earl, Dave McLellan and other personalities who helped make the car famous.

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
State Highway 245
P.O. Box 130
Clermont, Kentucky 40110
Phone: (502) 955-8512
Within Bernheim's 14,000 acres you will find a nationally-recognized arboretum, beautiful gardens, tranquil lakes, a nature center, large expanses of scenic natural area, 30 miles of hiking trails and a 12,000-acre research forest. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, hike, bike, bring the family to the Visitors Center or just come to enjoy the ever-changing display of natural splendor.

Kentucky Military History Museum
128 East Main Street
Frankfort, Kentucky
The Kentucky Military History Museum emphasizes the service of the Kentucky Militia, State Guard, and other volunteer military organizations, from the Revolution through the Gulf War. Displays include an impressive collection of firearms, edged weapons, artillery, uniforms, flags, photographs, personal items, and other equipment that illustrates the Commonwealth's martial heritage.

Golden Pond Planetarium
Golden Pond, Kentucky
Explore such phenomena as white dwarves and black holes, all unveiled on our planetarium's 40-foot dome. Novice astronomers can learn to identify the constellations on a simulated night sky. Or head to the Golden Pond Observatory, where you can observe the stars through one of our four telescopes or spy solar flares through our Hydrogen-Alpha refractor.

Aviation Museum of Kentucky
Blue Grass Field
Lexington, Kentucky
Phone: (859) 231-1219
The Aviation Museum of Kentucky is located at Blue Grass Airport, Lexington. The facility has 12,000 square feet of display area, a fully equipped shop for aviation restoration projects, an office, a library/archive and a gift shop. The Museum is a dynamic entity which includes not only older restored aircraft and memorabilia, but also air-worthy, flyable aircraft for the public to enjoy.

Lexington Children's Museum
440 West Short Street
Lexington, Kentucky 40507
Phone: (859) 258-3256
The Mission of the Lexington Children's Museum is to create a fun and dynamic hands-on learning environment that inspires imagination and curiosity.

Kentucky Derby Museum
Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville Science Center
727 West Main Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Phone: (502) 561-6100
Louisville Science Center strives to bring that out through a combination of engaging exhibits, programs and IMAX® films. No matter if you are a child, an adult, a teacher or a business professional, there is something here for you to see, hear, and touch!

Hummel Planetarium and Space Theater
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky 40475
Phone: (606) 622-1547
The Hummel Planetarium, which houses the Hummel Space Theater, is one of the largest and most sophisticated planetariums in the United States. It is the 2nd largest planetarium in the world located on a college or university campus. The Hummel Space Theater's Space Voyager Planetarium is one of only four of its kind installed in the world.

Theme Parks, Amusement Parks & Water Parks

Beech Bend Park
798 Beech Bend Road
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101
Phone: (270) 781-7634
Amusement park, pool, picnicking park, campgrounds, drag racing, race tracks, meeting facilities and much more for the whole family.

Guntown Mountain
At I-65, Exit 53
Cave City, Kentucky
Phone: (270) 773-3530
Step back in time and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Wild West. Come see a re-creation of the famous gunfights of the "Old West" in the streets of our Wild West town. Stroll into the Saloon Show and watch the area's prettiest dancers. Maybe you will want to take in a magic show from the best illusionist in Kentucky. Of course, live country/western music is always in abundance in our music theatre. Check out our rides, the Haunted House, and more. We also have Onyx Cave, the newest cave discovery in the area, on Guntown Mountain.

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom
937 Phillips Lane
P.O. Box 9287
Louisville, Kentucky 40209
Phone: (502)-366-2231 / (800) SCREAMS
From fast to ferocious, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom has the coaster for you with seven world class coasters to choose from. And dive into Hurricane Bay, our gigantic world of water that's free with your theme park admission.

Family Activities

If you know of a family activity in Kentucky, let us know and we will add it here.

Summer - Family Vacation Hot Spots (Beaches, Lakes, etc.)

Lake Barkley - Fishing, swimming and camping. Includes national battlefield, nature trails and a national waterfowl refuge. Take I 24 to Eddyville.

Lake Cumberland - 1200 miles of wooded shoreline. Cabins, houseboats rentals, golfing, hiking, beaches, fishing, skiing, swimming and camping. Take I 75 to Kentucky State Route 80 and head west to Somerset.

Cave Run Lake - Fishing, swimming, camping and over 100 miles of nearby hiking trails. Just south of I 64 half way between Lexington and West Virginia.

Dale Hollow Lake - Borders Kentucky and Tennessee features skiing, diving, fishing, swimming and camping. Dale Hollow Lake features many islands as a stopping points. Just southwest of Lake Cumberland near Kentucky State Route 80 and U.S. 127.

Zoos, Museums, National Parks, and Amusement Parks listed above.

Winter - Family Vacation Hot Spots (Ski Resorts, etc.)

If you know of a fun winter family vacation spot in Kentucky, let us know and we will add it here.

Helpful websites and services

If you know of a website or company that is helpful to families traveling to Kentucky, let us know and we will add it here.

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(specials are updated weekly)
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